Thursday, January 15, 2015

Green Bay vs. Dallas Playoff

Time to post the images from the Packers’ last home game of the 2014 season, which was the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. We went up to Titletown on Saturday, and spent a while in the Lambeau Field Atrium. There seemed to be quite a lot less fans milling about than before the Detroit game two weeks prior. This may be due to the fact that it was a game that many people decided to come up just for the day, instead of making it a game weekend. With the regular season games, people secure lodging and plan the trip for months, whereas with the postseason games, there isn't much lead time.

In fact, there were still Lambeau Field tours available in the late afternoon, when they sell out most any other game weekend.

Former DE Sean Jones (1994-1996) and DE Santana Dotson (1996-2001) were signing autographs in the Packers Pro Shop on Saturday afternoon.

See above...

Above and below, two festive ice sculptures outside Lambeau Field for the playoff game.



The way to go is to arrive early and snag a free parking spot on one of the city streets near the stadium.

Walking to the stadium.

Fans tailgating along Brookwood Drive on the west side of the stadium.

Empty Lambeau Field concourse early on.

The first view of the Lambeau Field field after arriving.

We spent our obligatory pre-game time behind the Packers’ bench.

Since this was the first Noon game in a while, the lines were long to grab a brat for lunch before the start.

NFC Divisional Playoffs banner.

WR Jordy Nelson is out early warming up.

All sorts of extra stuff ready to go on the sideline.

QBs Matt Flynn (left) and Scott Tolzien go through their warm-up paces.

Way too many Cowboys fans were at Lambeau on Sunday.

QB Aaron Rodgers (above and below) comes out to limber up the ol’ arm (and calf).




Looking up at the broadcast booths from the Packers sideline.

K Mason Crosby talks with a staff member.

All of the Microsoft Surface tablets are readied for use during the game.

WR Randall Cobb is out in full uniform before much of the rest of the team.

Rodgers leads the majority of the team out of the tunnel for warm-ups.

Team huddle outside the tunnel.

Rodgers comes over to the sideline to make some throws.

Calf? What calf?

Nelson gets in game mode.

The pre-game coin toss.

Crosby kicks off to the Cowboys.

QB Tony Romo at work on the Cowboys’ first possession.

S Micah Hyde awaits a Dan Bailey punt.

Packers’ offensive huddle.

Rodgers at work in the pocket, where he spent much of the day.

Making a throw downfield.

RB Eddie Lacy hits a big hole.

A pitch-out to Lacy heading left.

Crosby kicks a field goal.

Romo passing against the Packers’ defense near midfield.

Apparently, the Cowboys ran a few plays with no Packers on the field(?).

Dallas Head Coach Jason Garrett (on field at left), watches his team in action.

Packers’ Head Coach Mike McCarthy (far right), does the same.

Hyde awaits the kickoff following a Dallas score.

With Lacy’s asthma trouble, RB James Starks gets into the game.

Rodgers looks for a receiver with great protection.

But he gets sacked here following the breakdown of this play.

Cobb makes a leaping grab over the top.

Starks is corralled by two Cowboys defensemen...

… and knocked down on this play.

Romo gives the ball to RB DeMarco Murray.

A glimpse into the Dallas offensive huddle.

The Lambeau Field faithful watch the action. The weather was mild and not anywhere near “Ice Bowl II” levels that were hoped for all week.

P Tim Masthay gets some game action.

On the ensuing return, WR Dwayne Harris is stopped by Green Bay defenders LB Jayrone Elliott (#91) and LS Brett Goode (#61).

Cheerleaders from local colleges supply the on-field team spirit.

LB A.J. Hawk is double-teamed in his attempt to tackle Murray.

LB Clay Matthews nearly gets to Romo on a rush.

Veterans of the original “Ice Bowl” are introduced to the crowd during a time out. From left to right, LB Dave Robinson, RB Donny Anderson, RB Chuck Mercein, G Jerry Kramer, and WR Boyd Dowler.

Packers offensive linemen in the bench area, waiting to get back in the game.

FOX analysts Troy Aikman and Joe Buck call the game from the broadcast booth.

Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren bring you the Packers Radio Network broadcast.

K Dan Bailey misses not one, but two field goals.

Crosby warms up on the sideline in case he’s needed.

Rodgers ready to let a long one go...

… to Cobb, who makes the catch right at the sideline.

What it’s like to be in the Packers’ backfield.

The Cowboys get into our end zone on a two-point conversion.

Giant flag.

The Lambeau Field turf in January.

TE Jason Witten is hard to cover and bring down.

The NFL Films crew working their field-level camera in the North end zone.

DT Mike Daniels gets a sack of Romo.

The disputed catch, as we saw it (it was at the other end of the field).

Rodgers in conference with McCarthy during a time out.

DT Tyrone Crawford takes flight in front of a surprised Rodgers.

Rodgers and his teammates enjoying a time out once victory is assured.

Game over!

The final score (whew!).

You’re welcome.

Darn right.

Rodgers is interviewed after the game.

Cobb is interviewed as well.

Rodgers leaves the field.





Fans linger after the game (above and below).



Your Packerville, U.S.A. editor, who normally stays behind the scenes, says “good bye” from Lambeau Field — and “GO PACK!”